Meru & Kilimanjaro - Summit Trekking

Meru & Kilimanjaro - Itinerary

Day 1 • Travel to Tanzania
Departure from Europe in the evening or early the next morning.

Day 2 •  Arrival in Tanzania
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to the hotel. Full day to relax at the hotel, for sightseeing or last purchases (snacks, batteries, etc.). In the evening the group and the expedition leader meet for dinner together. Overnight stay in ***hotel with breakfast.

Day 3 •  Mount Meru trekking 
A hike along a river, past herds of buffalo and giraffes, brings us to the beautiful acacia forest at the foot of the mountain. Along the way we see Maio Falls, the "Arched Fig Tree" and reach the Miriakamba Hut (2500m), ascent: approx. 1000m, 3-4 hours.

Day 4 •  Mount Meru trekking
The forestation thins out during the ascent, from dense jungle to scrubland, as we initially climb steeply over wooden steps, then reach the "Mgongo wa Tembo" (Elephant Ridge) at about 3200m and finally the Saddle Hut (3550m), ascent: about 1050m, 3-4 hours.

Day 5 •  Mount Meru ascent
we set off Early in the morning and hike through bush land to Rhinopoint (3820m), where the trail becomes more exposed and technical. We reach the summit of Mount Meru, the Socialist Peak (4562m) via the north ridge. The guide will plan the start of the tour so that we can enjoy the sunrise on the summit ridge. The magnificent views of Kilimanjaro, across the vast savannah and into the volcanic crater of Mount Meru reward all the efforts of the ascent, about 5-6 hours to the summit. After the summit we descend to Miriakamba Hut (2500m). A short descent from the Miriakamba Hut along an alternative route leads us past a beautiful waterfall to the pick-up point, about 4-6 hours descent. We then drive to the lodge to relax for the rest of the day. Lodge: Overnight/full board.

Day 6 • Arusha National Park
Today we have a whole day to explore the Arusha National Park. We go on an early morning game drive to see antelopes, buffalos, giraffes, the diverse bird species and other wildlife. With a bit of luck we will see elephants, which often hide in the forest in this park. The Ngurdoto Crater offers a great view of an old caldera, which is now sheltered by animals. In the evening we drive back to the beautifully situated lodge, bed and breakfast / full board.

Day 7 • Off to Kilimanjaro
We drive to the Londorossi Gate (2250m). The drive over a mostly very bumpy road brings us to the gate, where we are registered and our trekking begins. We hike through dense rainforest, where we might see wild animals such as elephants and buffalo, and soon reach the Lemosho lowlands. Our destination is the Forest Camp at 2750 m. Ascent: 500m, 7 km, 3 - 4 hours.
PS: If you only want to trek Mount Meru, you can go on safari through Tanzania or to another mountain in Africa on this day (please ask).

Day 8 • Kilimanjaro trekking
We leave the woods and take steeper and steeper paths into heath and moorland. After crossing the Shira ridge (3600 m) we reach Shira Camp 1, situated in a beautiful landscape at 3500 m. After a rest, we hike across the plateau to Shira Camp 2 (3850 m) with a view of Kibo, Shira and Mt Meru. Ascent: 1100m, 10km, 5-6 hours.

Day 9 • Kilimanjaro trekking
If the Breach Wall is open for trekking, we ascend to the Lava Tower at the foot of the Breach Wall. The ascent leads from moorland meadows up to a scree and stone landscape. The camp lies behind an old, long extinct Lava Tower (approx. 4600m). Ascent: 800m, 8km, 3-4 hours.

Day 10 • Kilimanjaro crossing - Crater Camp
Ascent via the Western Breach Wall: Light boulder terrain and gravel slopes lead us to the crater rim of Kilimanjaro at 5650m altitude, where we set up our unique camp (at the crater) and spend the night. The prerequisite for this is that the National Park has the route open (usually possible with a special permit) and that the participants are well acclimatized. Participants with lack of acclimatization can climb the summit on this day, then descend via the Mweka route to wait at the Millennium Camp (approx. 4000m). The route via the Western Breach is exposed to rockfall in some places (due to melting glaciers), so a helmet is recommended for the ascent. The ascent has some small climbing passages (easy block terrain up to UIAA1), but you don't need any technical skills like roping up and belaying. Ascent: 950m, 4-5 hours. 

Day 11 • Kilimanjaro​​​​​​​ ascent
The summit day from Crater Camp is very short. We can either take a steep trail directly up to Uhuru Peak (5895m) or cross the plateau and then take the standard hiking trail from Stella Point to the summit (about 1-2 hours to the summit). With an early ascent we have best chances for a good view over the savannahs of Africa - at sunrise we plan to be at the summit.  On this day, there are several possibilities to explore the crater: to the home glacier, to the Reusch crater, the Kibo Plateau. Afterwards, we descend southeast via the Mweka Route to Barafu Camp, then on to Millennium Camp (approx. 4000m). Ascent: 250m, 1-2 hours, descent: 2000m, 15km, 3-5 hours.

Day 12 • Kilimanjaro​​​​​​​ trekking
Despite the long descent there is still time to admire and photograph the landscape and plants. Back at the Mweka Gate we sign out the control book. It is time to say goodbye to guides and porters and - provided you are satisfied - to show your appreciation for guidance, care and support with a tip. Afterwards we drive to the hotel, where we can relax. The summit success will be rewarded with a certificate of the National Park. Final dinner and overnight stay in Moshi.

Day 13 • Departure / further travel - Tanzania
From Kilimanjaro International Airpoirt (JRO) flight home or onward journey in Tanzania. Possible options: beaches of Zanzibar or safari.

Day 14 • Arrival home
Arrival at home at the latest.

Meru & Kilimanjaro - Participation

Requirements: Although the Kilimanjaro is almost 6,000 meters high, you don't need any mountaineering skills to climb it. An average physical condition and a strong will are sufficient to reach the summit. Daily stages are a maximum of 6-8 hours for this program, but the ascent is steep and good fitness is a prerequisite for the crossing.

Technical requirements: The summit stages on Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro (Western Breach) have some exposed sections (UIAA difficulty level I/II). These can be particularly tricky in wet or icy conditions. You should have experience in hiking in pathless terrain.